RFID Tag

The RFID tag (or transponder) is a data storage medium that consists of a small chip and an antenna. This basic matrix can be integrated into a variety of configurations that include simple glass or plastic housing, chip cards, smart-labels, tickets and many others.

Depending on the size of the storage chip, the information stored on a RFID transponder thus includes an identification number unique throughout the world and the initial product information on the objects bearing the transponders; through a host system a connection between the transponder and a data bank can be established.

 

 

The various RFID transponders differ chiefly in the means of their energy supply, which can be passively as well as actively achieved.

Passive RFID transponders do not contain their own power source and receive their energy through a nearby electric or magnetic field generated by a reader. This lack of a local source of energy means a relatively limited range, but makes smaller and lighter configurations possible. Moreover, passive transponders require no maintenance and cost considerably less than active transponders. They are chiefly used for identifying and monitoring products but are also employed as data storage mediums for access control systems.

Because of their high rate of amortisation, passive systems are chiefly recommended in the case of long-lasting and repeatedly used objects bearing the transponders.

 

In order to identify objects so called ‘smart-labels’ (adhesive transponder labels) provide advantages for product identification. They can be stuck on to objects and have slowly been replacing bar codes.